Lowering A Model A Lid, Part 1 - Chop Top Basics

OK, so you have decided to chop the top on your hot rod. Your next decision will be how much. The height and length of your torso will be factors in this decision. Also, you want the car to be proportional. A good rule is two-thirds body, one-third top.

2/26

The current victim scheduled for surgery is a ’31 Ford Model A. For good proportioning, a 4-inch chop on a ’30-31 body will achieve this, but your taste and requirements will vary.

This month we’ll focus on the major cerebral surgery: cutting and setting the top. Next month we are going to sweat the small stuff: trim, wood, garnish moldings, and windshield frame.

Special thanks to my friend Mark Anderson who helped me collaborate on some of these solutions.